God Approved, God Inspired

I updated my goals and current activities lists on the blog just a few minutes ago. I have mixed results on all fronts, but generally am pleased to have had any goals accomplished or in sight of being accomplished lately!

The only, I mean only, thing I want to do is write! Every moment of every day, I want to write! So I've been thinking about how I "don't have time to write" now that . . . I don't need to fill in the blank, because if you're a writer you've probably already done that with your own excuse . . . er . . . I mean reason!

Several days ago I read a quote from Rick Warren's book, The Purpose Driven Life, that a fellow blogger had shared. That book was very literally life-changing for me on so many levels! And yet I am finding I need to be reminded of its contents often in order to stay on track. Warren shared that "there is exactly enough time in each day to do what GOD wants you to do."

I believe that too, so the only one I need to look to when seeking the answer to why I don't have enough time is myself! I'm not beating myself up, but rather giving myself a good switft kick in the pants. For me its about lack of self-discipline but it is also about a lack of leaning on God and seeking His guidance regularly throughout my day. I need to stop more often and seek His direction before I do (or don't do) any particular activity.

I did "tone down" a couple of my goals and plans. I'm not copping out, just being realistic. I didn't know when I created my somewhat ambitious plans that I'd be working full time in 2009! I also had no idea where God would lead me. He's got me on the next leg of my journey and I'm just winding the bend. He doesn't let us rest on our laurels much, does He!

June 14 I'll be delivering the message at a retirement home and they will be expecting a "woman of the bible" when I show up! I have been mulling over two characters and then Sunday as our pastor shared a very powerful message about Miriam (sister of Moses) and four other women in the bible, I got a couple of additional ideas! I guess I better decide on one quickly so I can write the script and rehearse it a few times!

I'll be preaching at my home church in July one Sunday when our pastor will be on vacation. The topic is "Opening Yourself To God." Appropriate topic for me, I believe. I feel honored to be asked in that our home church has several seminary students and others on the path to ordination in residence and each of them are more than competent to preach. Based on what the pastor read in my book, he felt I would be a good one to deliver that part of the series and he indicated several of the church staff concurred.

I made a presentation to Richmond Christians Who Write on "How to Set Up a Blog." I used a PowerPoint presentation and took the group through each screen as it would appear for them, in order. It went very well and I hope several of those who had previously been intimidated or uncertain about setting one up felt it was more manageable than they had originally thought.

God is presenting me with some exciting possibilities for the remainder year! Now that my book is available at amazon.com, I'm going to solicit several area book stores about carrying it in stock -- and doing a booksigning event.

I have selected some previously written articles to submit for pay and am going to work on a writing schedule that fits into my weekly schedule and still affords me to do the other routine things I really need to do daily and weekly.

How about you? Have you checked in with God lately? Are you where you thought you'd be this time last year? Do you find you have enough time each day to do exactly what God wants you to do?

"It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him" (Deuteronomy 13:4 NIV).

"I am the LORD your God; follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws" (Ezekiel 20:19 NIV).

"This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you" (Jeremiah 30:2 NIV)

"I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name" (1 John 2:12 NIV).